Sedan: 2012 Audi A7 Sportback

2012 Audi A7.

PHOTO: Graeme Fletcher, for National Post

By David Booth, National Post

Originally published: October 21, 2011

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That Audi’s new A7 is gorgeous cannot be disputed. With the tester’s 20-inch polished aluminum wheels showing off its distinctly sporty coupe-like shape to great advantage, the A7 is possibly the most gorgeous car in its class. It’s long, it’s low and it is, in appearance at least, lean.

Inside, the A7 is equally attractive. Audi has been lauded ad nauseam for its exquisite interiors and the new A7’s does nothing but raise its game. Gaps, materials and execution are all top-notch. The hideaway LCD screen for the navigation system and radio is particularly impressive: It’s ideally angled when in use and perfectly flush-mounted to the rest of the dashboard when stowed.

The A7’s real limitation, for most, will be its rear seats. For one, that sloping roof can limit headroom. Plus, there is only seating for two in the rear, the Audi foregoing the traditional rear bench for seats that resemble front buckets.

Out on the road, the A7’s comportment is as coddling as the best from Mercedes and BMW. The suspension is Teutonic firm and, for every situation short of chasing Corvettes, the big sedan’s handling is up to the promise of its sleek silhouette.

The A7 also marks my favourite application of Audi’s supercharged 3.0-litre V6. This one keeps all the grunt — Audi claims 310 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque .

The A7’s one limitation will be its hatchback design. We North Americans have not taken kindly to this more practical design, especially in our luxury cars. More’s the pity. Lift the rear hatch and you will find a positively expansive cargo area. The claimed 24.5 cubic feet of space, impressive on a spec sheet, seem even more substantial when you start loading in suitcases and groceries. If this were the only benefit of the hatchback design, it would be worthwhile. It also allowed Audi that sleek roofline. And, no matter how many times we may try to deny it, sexy sells. In the four-door segment, the A7 is the next best thing to an Aston Martin Rapide — for one-third the price.